Jones is citizen of the year

Thursday

A man who has served Kinston and Lenoir County for more than 30 years was shown gratitude by his community through a major award on Thursday.

Lenoir County Superior Court Judge Paul Jones was named “Citizen of the Year” during Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce’s 103rd annual awards presentation and downtown stroll on Thursday.

Jones, a Kinston native, has volunteered with numerous organizations and boards since returning back to his hometown after a stint in the Army. Since 1979, Jones has been a member of more than 20 non-profit directory boards in Lenoir County.

Jones received dozens of nominations for the award, including one from Grady Bethel, chairman of the Lenoir Community College Board of Trustees.

“Paul L. Jones has served quietly and effectively as a dynamic and successful change agent in Kinston and Lenoir County for a period of 30 years, as a leading professional who has demonstrated determination, courage, patience and discipline,” Bethel said in his letter.

Upon receiving the award, Jones addressed the audience at the Red Room, saying he was thankful to have received the honor.

"It's a great feeling knowing the community recognizes you for making a contribution," Jones said. "Kinston is a great place and I was inspired by what others have done, which is why I volunteered on so many boards. Some people said 'you're a glutton for punishment,' but I don't think so. Service is not punishment, it is a reward for living and loving the community."

Jacques Passailaigue was presented the Ambassador of the Year award for exemplary service in the community with the chamber throughout the year.

Passalilaigue, who is the account manager at CopyPro, received his second honor in as many months. On Dec. 14, he was one of the recipients of the 20 Under 40 Award given by The Free Press.

Passalilaigue said he was humbled about winning the award and appreciated what chamber has done for him.

"The chamber has been a great partner with the company and has helped us a lot with growing our business," he said. "My thought process is if you don't participate, you won't get a lot out of them."

Passalilaigue also said he was thankful to work in the area.

"Lenoir County has a very special place in my heart," he said. "Business owners have opened their doors and I'm grateful to live in this community. The people are wonderful and they really care about their community. We just have to continue to build Kinston up."

Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.

Chamber of Commerce Citizens of Year

1963: Daniel T. Lilley

1964: Donald L. Henson

1965: Lynwood C. Turner

1966: Mrs. James M. Tyler & Neale K. Lawson

1967: E. Linwood Scott

1968: Simon C. Sitterson Jr.

1969: Richard S. Whaley

1970: Benjamin C. Fountain

1971: Sol Schecter

1972: Oscar Greene Jr.

1973: R.B. Patterson Jr.

1974: C. Felix Harvey III

1975: Rose Pully

1976: John R. Hooten

1977: Sharon C. Larkins

1978: Leo Brody

1979: John R. Poole

1980: Harold W. Hardison

1981: Harvey E. Beech

1982: W. Roy Poole

1983: H. Fleming Fuller

1984: T.J. Turner

1985: P.C. Barwick Jr.

1986: John Sherman Jr. & Virginia C. Evans

1987: William L. Peedin Jr.

1988: George C. Harper

1989: Roland L. Paylor Jr.

1990: Jesse P. Wooten

1991: Robert L. Joyner

1992: Fred Hunneke

1993: Vernon H. Rochelle

1994: Paul W. Wellman

1995: Jack P. Hankins

1996: Jack A. Harrell

1997: Annette T. West

1998: Junius H. Rose Jr.

1999: Debbie R. Chused

2000: Mary Mac & O.A. “Buddy” Ritch

2001: Andy Culpepper

2002: Kay T. Harrell

2003: Earl Harper

2004: Michael Moseley

2005: Donald Boldt

2006: John Marston

2007: Bill Ellis

2008: Cameron McRae

2009: James Tull Hill Jr.

2010: Richard A. Holder

2011: Gary Black

2012: Danny Rice

2013: Paul L. Jones

Ambassador of the Year

1999: Pamela Byrd

2000: Michelle Lempin

2001: Edna Potter

2002: Carol Cobia

2003: Carolyn L. Hardy

2004: Amanda Hill

2005: G. Scott Barwick

2006: Jay Conner

2007: Margaret Williams

2008: Jessica Lail Wilson

2009: JoAnn MacHamer

2010: Lyndon Fuller

2011: Jane Wynne

2012: Molly Taylor

2013: Jacques Passalilaigue

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